“Even before these first cases of Paterson residents were announced my administration has implemented preventative measures to practice social distancing and containment to prevent community spread," Sayegh said in a statement. “We ask that residents remain calm and isolate themselves as much as possible in order to do their part to reduce the spread of COVID-19."

In a video statement posted to Facebook on Monday, Sayegh said Paterson was in a state of emergency as city residents over the weekend did not appear to be taking social distancing seriously.

“We’re exposing ourselves to something that is unknown,” Sayegh said before ordering Paterson’s restaurants and bars to close at 6 p.m. Monday night.